Life in the 1880's.

If you love Jane Austen, you'll simply adore Daisy Goodwin's The American Heiress. I was skeptical at first but, as a true testament to any good book, once finished I was left instantly craving more. There's something so enchanting about the long gowns and way of life during the 1880's. Perhaps it's because the mannerisms and politeness seen during that time period are so utterly foreign in today's society. Imagine ladies strolling the streets with their parasols to prevent a tan. Oh, but how silly of a notion!

Update: If you enjoy this book, may I highly recommend Downton Abbey, a television series on PBS. The book referenced the show in its reviews, and until now, it was unknown to me. Let it be said that I consumed two seasons within two days. A++!

Available for sale here.

These are a few of my favorite things.

I fully agree it may be just a pinch too early for Christmas music and brightly lit trees, but I say it's never too early for peppermint ice cream. A few years ago I discovered this little gem in our local convenience store and was distraught when I couldn't locate it but for the season at hand. To my absolute delight, I was reconnected with my love years later, this time in Ohio. A different brand but even more delicious than my memory serves me. It's sheer magic which melts in your mouth.

Now, if only I could locate that infamous cinnamon ice cream which continues to elude me, all would be right in the world!

A new backyard.

One of the most exciting and intimidating aspects about moving to a new city is the landscape. That area surrounding you, left unknown until now. A multitude of new attractions, places and people to meet. In an attempt to take advantage of a beautiful brisk Sunday in the early days of November, hubbie and I decided on breakfast and the zoo. Not an entirely creative idea, mind you, but it sufficed just the same. I had been eyeing up Waffle House around the corner and Cincinnati's zoo is one of the city's larger attractions. Oh hell, why not? And what an adorable abundance of baby animals! Baby zebras, monkeys, camels, giraffes... I was pleasantly surprised.

Say hello sloth.

love monkeys.

little cat.

Big Cat.



And behold, my newest, most favorite creature on the planet: the Red Panda. My poor husband had to endure multiple attempts by me to drag him back to their little den, just to watch these adorable furballs munch away on their bamboo.

One word: adorable.